CFP enrolment jumps

The FPA has reported a spike in the number of people enrolling in the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification program.

In a statement issued by the FPA, the association said the increase in people undertaking the program is due to the flexibility of the program.

“For the first time ever, the CFP certification program enables advisers to choose which unit they want to study first and provides them with a pre-admission service,” FPA chief executive Mark Rantall said.

“This makes it easier to create a ‘personalised’ pathway into the program – one that works around planners’ lifestyle and work commitments,” he said.

The FPA also said that of the 700 students currently enrolled in the program for this semester, a number are returning students that are re-entering the program after taking a break.

Novatax Financial Planners director David Minehan said he resumed the program this year after a three-year study break as he was now able to balance family, work and study due to the courses' flexibility.

“The financial planning industry is a competitive landscape and the CFP program is a clear differentiator that keeps us one step ahead of others,” Mr Minehan said.

“The flexibility of the CFP program meant that I could take a study break and still continue with my personal development. I can now complete the final two subjects of the program by the middle of this year through online courses and via correspondence,” he said.

The FPA also highlighted there are already 5,500 CFP professionals in Australia.

“The volume of enrolments to the program this semester marks the desire by financial planners to pursue higher education standards and raise the bar,” a statement from the FPA said.